You go over to your neighbor’s house one weekend for a party and can’t help but notice their beautiful countertops.
You go to a different neighbor’s house the weekend after that and their counters are made of the same material as the other’s, but looks slightly different.
When you ask them what material they are using, their answer opens up a world you never knew of before: Granite. Granite countertops are popping up in homes all over the place with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Are you thinking about jumping in on the bandwagon? Keep reading to find out for yourself why everyone is obsessed with this versatile material.
1. They’re Durable
If your countertops see a lot of traffic throughout the day then there is no better countertop to have then granite. On the MOH scale (the scale that measures the hardness of rocks) Granite comes to about a 6 or 8 out of 10.
It’s safe to say that it can take a few knives banging on it without breaking apart or chipping. In fact, the granite surface will dull your knives after a few uses. That’s some serious strength.
2. Granite Stays Clean
Granite is a lot of things but it’s not magic. It can’t self-clean itself when your three-year-old dumps juice on it.
When we mean it stays clean we mean that it has a natural resistance to mold and bacteria. It’s also pretty much resistant to water stains with the right sealer.
When you do have to clean up spilled juice though, all you need is a little bit of soap and water to do the job.
3. Each Piece of Granite is Unique
Like most natural stone countertops, every single slab of granite is unique. Even if every home on your block has granite countertops yours will still look different than anyone else’s.
This is because not every piece of granite is made out of the same stuff. There are several different stones that can combine themselves to make granite leading to tons of different outcomes.
For example, if your countertop has gray streaks in it then quartz probably had some part in the granite’s formation.
4. Granite Countertops are Easy to Maintain
In the case of most natural stones, you’ll need to have some sort of sealant put on it. If you don’t then liquids can seep through the pores and stain the material. Marble is especially notorious for this.
The great thing about granite is that even if you don’t seal it, liquids won’t soak in as fast as they do with other materials. You’ll have time to clean it before it stains. If you do elect to have it sealed then maintenance becomes a breeze.
Again, all it will take is wiping it down with a little soap and water to clean up spills and other messes.
5. It Increases the Value of the Home
If you ever plan on reselling your home, you’ll be glad to know that having granite countertops will up your home value. For one, granite countertops are classy and they look nice. For two, having them tells the buyer that your kitchen has been remodeled at some point.
Many homeowners do value having them in their kitchen for several of the reasons that we’ve stated. So, buyers will be looking out for them.
6. Granite Countertops are Affordable
Depending on the thickness, style of the slabs that you want to go with, and how much material you need, you can get out pretty cheap with them. It’s cheaper than a few of your other options anyway.
Even if you do go with a more expensive cut of granite, you’ll still get your money’s worth. Granite is a durable material that can last you a lifetime if you let it.
7. Colorful Options
Due to the fact that different combinations of stones make granite, you end up with a lot of gorgeous color options. The most popular variations are the neutral colored slabs.
Slabs with white or gray backgrounds go with basically any house decor and design. If you want to add a bit more of a flair to your home there are more exotic options.
Some of them have brighter colors like pink or green in the veins. It’s an artistic masterpiece that does cost a little more to have. It’s worth it for the one of a kind look you’ll get though.
8. Heat Resistant
Granite countertops are heat resistant. You can put hot pots of food on them without having to worry about the material melting or scorching at all. Keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to always place hot pots and pans on the countertop but it can be done every once in a while if you need a little extra room.
If you would rather be safe than sorry, you can put a layer of protection down on the counter before putting the pot on it. A trivet will do the trick.
Why Granite Countertops are Popping Up Everywhere You Turn
Granite countertops are popular with homeowners all over the world for a reason. They are sturdy, easy to clean, and unique and colorful. They also add a bit of extra value to the home they are in.
So, what are you waiting for? Jump on the bandwagon and look at having granite installed in your kitchen.
Are you looking for someone to install your new countertops? Contact us to book an appointment today. We can’t wait to connect with you.